From Palau: Speedboat tour in La Maddalena Archipelago

Budelli’s natural pools are the star here: calm, clear water held between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. You get about two hours to swim, float, and enjoy one of the prettiest corners of the Maddalena Archipelago, followed by coves on Spargi and a Sardinian lunch served on board.

I like the small group, capped at 12 passengers, and the fact that fuel, crew, an aperitif, and lunch are included. I also like the sturdy Tredas Open Ilver 36, with a freshwater shower, toilet, shade, and a bow sunbathing net. The main drawback is that this route does not promise close stops at La Maddalena or Caprera, and the sea can force the skipper to change the plan.

Key points to know before you book

• Budelli gets the longest stop: Plan on roughly two hours at the natural pools, with Pink Beach viewed from a distance.
• Spargi brings two separate cove visits: Cala Soraja and Cala Corsara each receive about one hour.
• The boat carries only 12 passengers: Two crew members join the group, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.
• Lunch is included on board: Expect an aperitif and Sardinian land and sea products, with food concerns reported at least one day ahead.
• Palau is the standard departure point: You can request boarding at La Maddalena at no extra cost, but you must contact the skipper at least 24 hours before departure.
• The route depends on the sea: Stops and timing can change according to weather and the skipper’s judgment.

Why Budelli makes this seven-hour cruise special

The Maddalena Archipelago is best appreciated from the water. This collection of islands and islets lies off Sardinia’s northeast coast, and the boat lets you reach open-water swimming spots that would be difficult to visit by land alone.

The trip begins at Palau, a useful port on Sardinia’s northern coast. From there, the speedboat spends about 50 minutes reaching Budelli. That first run is long enough to feel like a proper sea outing, but not so long that the day gets swallowed by transport.

Budelli is known for its famous Pink Beach, but the beach itself is viewed from a distance. This matters. You are not signing up for a walk across the sand or a beach landing. The most hands-on part of the Budelli stop takes place at the nearby natural pools, where the boat anchors for about two hours.

I like this balance. You get the famous scenery without mistaking the trip for a beach tour. The clear water and pale rock formations are the main event, so bring swimwear and a towel and expect to spend much of this stop in the sea rather than on shore.

Two hours at Budelli’s natural pools

The natural pools sit between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. Their sheltered position helps create the calm setting that makes this stop so appealing, though the exact conditions depend on the day’s wind and waves.

You can use the boat’s climbing ladder to get into the water, then rinse off with the freshwater shower afterward. The boat also has an awning, a sunbathing net at the bow, and room to settle in between swims. I would bring a hat and sunscreen, since the sea can reflect strong sunlight even when a breeze makes the air feel mild.

Pink Beach is a visual stop rather than a beach visit. The crew allows you to admire it from the water, but the route does not include close access. If seeing the pink sand at very close range is your top reason for booking, you should set your expectations carefully.

Still, the wider view has its own value. You see the protected area as part of a group of islands, with the water, rocky shore, and neighboring islets all in one frame. Keep your phone or camera ready, but protect it from spray when the boat is moving.

Sardinian lunch served between the swims

The meal is part of the price, which improves the value of a day that already includes the boat, crew, and fuel. Lunch features local land and sea products, and an aperitif is also included.

Andrea and Francesco are connected with the food and crew experience, with Andrea’s cooking receiving especially warm praise. The meal is described as a highlight, but one note of caution is useful: the menu is not presented as a choice of several different meal styles. One person wished for a different type of meal, so tell the team about food intolerances at least the day before using the phone number on your booking voucher.

Eating on board also changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of losing time going ashore, you stay with the water and let the boat remain your base. This is practical, though it may not suit you if you want a restaurant lunch or a long walk on land.

The boat has one bathroom, which is helpful during a seven-hour outing. With up to 12 passengers and two crew members aboard, it is still a compact setup, so use the facilities thoughtfully and keep personal belongings organized.

Spargi’s coves: Cala Soraja and Cala Corsara

After Budelli and lunch, the boat heads toward Spargi. The plan includes about one hour at Cala Soraja and another hour at Cala Corsara.

Two separate stops give this part of the day a different feel from Budelli. You are not rushing through a quick photo pause. Each cove gets enough time for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the shore from the boat.

Cala Corsara is the better-known name of the two, but the appeal of both stops is the same: sheltered water, rocky coves, and time without a packed schedule. You can swim from the boat, sit under the awning, or stretch out on the bow net if conditions allow.

The boat is a 12-meter Tredas Open Ilver 36, built in 1990. That age is worth noting, but it does not mean you are signing up for a bare-bones vessel. It has two 220-horsepower inboard engines, a cabin, a bathroom, freshwater shower, safety equipment, first-aid kit, stereo system, shade, and a boarding ladder.

A speedboat is also more exposed to the sea than a large ferry. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew recommends and pay attention to the conditions. The skipper has the final say on the route, stop order, and length of each visit.

What a small speedboat changes

The passenger limit is 12, with two crew members. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion over a large group boat. You should have an easier time hearing instructions, asking questions, and getting help with the ladder or swimming equipment.

The trip offers live guiding in Italian and English. The supplied information does not promise a long formal narration about every island, so think of the guide service as practical help and route commentary rather than a museum-style tour.

The open boat format also gives you better contact with the sea. You will feel the wind, hear the engines, and get a more direct view than from behind a large cabin window. The trade-off is exposure to sun and spray. Wear a hat that fits securely, keep sunscreen handy, and use the awning when you need a break.

The crew atmosphere is another part of the appeal. Andrea and Francesco are named in connection with the food and the friendly service, and the skipper is described as cordial, along with a younger crew member. If you want a formal, highly structured excursion, this may feel relaxed. If you prefer an easygoing day with a small crew, that is a plus.

The route is focused, not a complete Maddalena circuit

The advertised route covers Budelli and Spargi, with the natural pools, Pink Beach views, Cala Soraja, and Cala Corsara as its main stops. It does not promise a close visit to La Maddalena or Caprera.

This is the clearest point to consider before paying. The archipelago includes more than the islands on this route, and some people may expect to see La Maddalena itself because of the destination’s name. If your priority is a broad island survey, look carefully at the route before booking.

I see the focused plan as a strength for swimmers. Two hours at Budelli and roughly an hour at each Spargi cove provide real time in the water rather than a string of brief stops. You are choosing quality time at a few attractive places over a checklist of every major island.

The skipper can also adjust the route because of sea weather. That is a necessary safety measure, not a small footnote. A calm itinerary on paper may change on the day, and a particular cove may be replaced or visited in a different order.

Meeting at Palau and planning your day

The departure point is at Pier No. 5 in the port of Palau. Look for the boat named Tredas, and allow time to find the pier before departure. Paid parking spaces are available nearby.

The activity lasts seven hours and returns to the same meeting point. Starting times vary, so check availability before you build the rest of your day around it.

La Maddalena is also possible as a departure point at no extra cost, but this requires advance contact with the skipper. Use the telephone number on your booking voucher and request the change at least 24 hours before the trip.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Beachwear
• Water
• Any required personal medication

Pets are not allowed. Food intolerances must be reported at least one day before the experience, using the contact number on the reservation voucher.

The booking terms are fairly flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. The trip needs at least four participants to operate, so keep an eye on confirmation details when planning tightly connected activities.

Is the $148.40 price good value?

At $148.40 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water. It is a full seven-hour outing, though, and the price includes the speedboat, fuel, crew, aperitif, and lunch.

That package makes the cost easier to justify. You are not paying only for transportation between islands. You get a small boat, several long swimming stops, food, a freshwater rinse, a toilet, and a crew that handles the navigation.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole day. A quick trip with one short swim would not make the same case. Here, the two-hour Budelli stop and the two Spargi stops give you plenty of time to enjoy the boat rather than spend the day racing from place to place.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want to visit La Maddalena or Caprera, or if you want to walk on Pink Beach. Those are not the core features of this route. You are paying for water access, a small group, and time around Budelli and Spargi.

The average rating is 4.6 from five ratings, a small sample but a positive signal. The strongest praise centers on the friendly atmosphere, the beautiful places, the boat, and Andrea and Francesco’s food. The repeated reservation is the limited contact with La Maddalena and the wish for a different lunch style.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a swimming-first day in the archipelago and prefer a small speedboat to a large sightseeing vessel. It suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable boarding from a ladder and spending extended periods around the water.

It also works well for someone who wants food included and does not want to plan a separate lunch stop. The compact group and English or Italian guiding make it easier to manage than arranging several boats and beaches independently.

You should think twice if your main goal is island walking, a close look at Pink Beach, or a full tour of La Maddalena and Caprera. This is a carefully focused sea route, not a complete survey of every famous island.

Should you book it?

Book it if the image you want is a small boat anchored in clear water, a long swim at Budelli, lunch on board, and relaxed cove time at Spargi. The included meal, fuel, crew, and seven-hour schedule give the $148.40 price solid value for a full day on the sea.

Skip it if you need a fixed route or expect close visits to La Maddalena, Caprera, or Pink Beach. Weather can change the plan, and the boat’s compact size means you should be ready for sun, spray, and a shared space. For the right priorities, this is a friendly, water-focused way to see the archipelago from Palau.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart?

It departs from the port of Palau at the entrance to Pier No. 5. Look for the boat named Tredas.

Does the tour return to Palau?

Yes. The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Palau.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Which islands and coves does the route visit?

The route includes Budelli’s natural pools, a view of Pink Beach from the water, and stops at Cala Soraja and Cala Corsara on Spargi.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The schedule includes time at Budelli’s natural pools and Spargi’s coves. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An aperitif and lunch featuring local land and sea products are included in the price.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat has capacity for 14 people, including 12 passengers and two crew members.

Can I depart from La Maddalena instead of Palau?

Yes. Departure from La Maddalena is available at no extra cost, but you must contact the skipper at least 24 hours ahead using the number on your booking voucher.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Stops and the route can change according to sea weather conditions and the skipper’s decision. The tour is confirmed with at least four participants.